Splenius muscles: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:09, 15 February 2025

Splenius Muscles[edit]

The splenius muscles are a group of muscles located in the back of the neck and upper thoracic region. They are part of the superficial layer of the intrinsic back muscles and are primarily responsible for movements of the head and neck.

Anatomy[edit]

The splenius muscles consist of two distinct muscles:

Splenius Capitis[edit]

The splenius capitis is a broad, strap-like muscle that originates from the lower half of the ligamentum nuchae and the spinous processes of the C7 to T3 vertebrae. It inserts onto the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral third of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

Splenius Cervicis[edit]

The splenius cervicis is located inferior to the splenius capitis. It originates from the spinous processes of the T3 to T6 vertebrae and inserts onto the transverse processes of the C1 to C3 vertebrae.

Function[edit]

The primary functions of the splenius muscles include:

Extension of the head and neck: When both sides of the muscles contract together, they extend the head and neck.
Lateral flexion and rotation: When one side contracts, it results in lateral flexion and rotation of the head to the same side.

Innervation[edit]

The splenius muscles are innervated by the posterior rami of the cervical spinal nerves.

Blood Supply[edit]

The blood supply to the splenius muscles is primarily through the branches of the occipital artery and the transverse cervical artery.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The splenius muscles can be involved in various clinical conditions, such as:

Muscle strain: Overuse or sudden movements can lead to strain in these muscles, causing neck pain and stiffness.
Tension headaches: Tightness in the splenius muscles can contribute to tension-type headaches.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Splenius Muscles''' are a group of [[muscle]]s located in the back of the [[neck]] and the upper part of the [[vertebral column]]. They are part of the [[superficial layer]] of the [[deep cervical muscles]], and they are involved in movements of the head and neck.
+== Splenius Muscles ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Splenius_muscle.PNG|thumb|right|Diagram of the splenius muscles]]
-The term "Splenius" is derived from the [[Greek language|Greek]] word "σπληνίον" (splēnion), which means bandage. This is in reference to the broad, flat shape of these muscles.
-==Anatomy==
+The '''splenius muscles''' are a group of muscles located in the back of the neck and upper thoracic region. They are part of the superficial layer of the intrinsic back muscles and are primarily responsible for movements of the head and neck.
-The Splenius Muscles consist of two muscles: the [[Splenius Capitis]] and the [[Splenius Cervicis]].
-===Splenius Capitis===
+== Anatomy ==
-The Splenius Capitis originates from the lower half of the [[nuchal ligament]], the spinous processes of the seventh cervical vertebra, and the spinous processes of the first three thoracic vertebrae. It inserts into the mastoid process of the [[temporal bone]] and the lateral third of the [[superior nuchal line]].
-===Splenius Cervicis===
+The splenius muscles consist of two distinct muscles:
-The Splenius Cervicis, also known as the Splenius Colli, originates from the spinous processes of the third to the sixth thoracic vertebrae. It inserts into the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the first to the third cervical vertebrae.
-==Function==
+* [[Splenius capitis]]
-The Splenius Muscles are responsible for various movements of the head and neck. When both muscles contract together, they extend the neck. When they contract individually, they rotate and bend the neck to the same side.
+* [[Splenius cervicis]]
-==Clinical Significance==
+=== Splenius Capitis ===
-Injury or strain to the Splenius Muscles can cause [[neck pain]], [[headache]], and restriction in neck movement. Treatment usually involves [[physical therapy]], [[pain management]], and in severe cases, [[surgery]].
-==See Also==
+The [[splenius capitis]] is a broad, strap-like muscle that originates from the lower half of the [[ligamentum nuchae]] and the spinous processes of the [[C7]] to [[T3]] vertebrae. It inserts onto the mastoid process of the [[temporal bone]] and the lateral third of the superior [[nuchal line]] of the [[occipital bone]].
-* [[List of muscles of the human body]]
-* [[Neck anatomy]]
-* [[Vertebral column]]
-==References==
+=== Splenius Cervicis ===
-<references />
+The [[splenius cervicis]] is located inferior to the splenius capitis. It originates from the spinous processes of the [[T3]] to [[T6]] vertebrae and inserts onto the transverse processes of the [[C1]] to [[C3]] vertebrae.
+== Function ==
+The primary functions of the splenius muscles include:
+* '''Extension of the head and neck''': When both sides of the muscles contract together, they extend the head and neck.
+* '''Lateral flexion and rotation''': When one side contracts, it results in lateral flexion and rotation of the head to the same side.
+== Innervation ==
+The splenius muscles are innervated by the posterior rami of the [[cervical spinal nerves]].
+== Blood Supply ==
+The blood supply to the splenius muscles is primarily through the branches of the [[occipital artery]] and the [[transverse cervical artery]].
+== Clinical Significance ==
+The splenius muscles can be involved in various clinical conditions, such as:
+* '''Muscle strain''': Overuse or sudden movements can lead to strain in these muscles, causing neck pain and stiffness.
+* '''Tension headaches''': Tightness in the splenius muscles can contribute to tension-type headaches.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Muscles of the neck]]
+* [[Cervical vertebrae]]
+* [[Occipital bone]]
+* [[Ligamentum nuchae]]
 [[Category:Muscles of the head and neck]]
-[[Category:Muscles of the back]]
-{{stub}}